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A Wildlife Rescue Center

A three-year-old female lion rescued from war-torn Ukraine has received vital oral operation to remove a severely infected canine tooth caused by an infection.

The lioness was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March following a campaign by director the sanctuary's leader, who raised £500,000 to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The surgery was carried out on last week by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.

"Upon inspecting the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the damaged fang was highly inflamed," stated Mr Kertesz.

He believed the dental issue was caused by a trauma experienced over twelve months back, causing bacteria producing harmful substances within the fang.

"My philosophy is animal dental problems need to be treated in the safest, the most conservative and most secure manner," he said.

Mr Kertesz explained that as the lioness did not need to catch prey, extraction was the most "sensible and ethical solution."

The Animal Rescue Facility

The rescue center said the removed fang was 3.14 inches in length, with the dentist having to remove a accumulated infection from under the fang and close the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.

He additionally conducted a root canal treatment on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.

Briony Smith, manager at the facility, said the procedure was a "complete success."

She said the team had spotted "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to determine "the extent of the problem."

"Lira will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the next few days," commented Ms Smith.

This vital operation represents a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.